In residential developments, choosing the right heating system from the outset makes a huge difference, not just to the build process but to future homeowners’ satisfaction too.
Underfloor heating is a popular choice for large-scale residential developments. It’s a comfortable, energy-efficient and cost-effective way to keep homes warm – while adding appeal and value to the properties.
At Gaia, we’re proud to be a leading underfloor heating partner for developers, helping to seamlessly integrate underfloor heating into projects from concept through to completion.
In this blog, we explore how underfloor heating – and Gaia – can fit into the different stages of your residential development project.
Concept, Planning and Design
The beginning of most projects involves initiation, planning and design. Underfloor heating should be considered as early on as possible in this stage to ensure it fits within your budget, logistics and design parameters.
The first step is identifying whether underfloor heating is the right option. Key considerations include energy efficiency, cost to the homeowner, whether the system is future-proof and design features, among others.
That’s where we come in.
We can work directly with you, your contractor, architect or M&E consultant to produce a tailored proposal for installing underfloor heating in your project. Our expert sales team have extensive experience working with developers and can provide prompt advice specific to your needs.
Using our extensive knowledge and experience, our team will produce a comprehensive quote and make suggestions on which system will work best for your project.
Plus, we can undertake site visits to ensure your underfloor heating can be executed to meet your needs.
Once a decision has been made, we can create detailed designs, including pipe or mat layouts as well as output calculations, seamlessly integrating underfloor heating into the existing plans and layouts for your residential development – just like we did for the Grahame Park project in Barnet, London.
As part of our design process, we provide detailed CAD drawings, pipe/mat layouts and heat loss calculations – adhering to British Standards EN 1264 for wet systems.
This makes sure everything works cohesively with the rest of your build and fits with your timescale and budget.
Specification, Procurement and Pre-Construction
Once design and planning decisions are finalised, we can specify and procure the underfloor heating system for your project – making sure it is in line with your programme.
Once you’re ready to move forward, we will work with you to confirm the system type, intended output, dimensions, components and controls to suit your project’s requirements, timelines and budget.
We offer a comprehensive range of wet and electric underfloor heating systems, plus frost protection and ice and snow melting systems too.
Drawing on our extensive industry knowledge, we will choose the right products from a range of systems. Throughout the process, we collaborate closely with your team to make sure everything meets your goals, including pricing, delivery and performance.
Our expertise means we can handle a diverse range of applications, whether that’s more complex installations like Seven, Southbank Place, London, where we specified three different types – wet underfloor heating, electric underfloor heating and electric wall heating – or developments like Taylor Wimpey homes in Suffolk, where we specified uniform wet underfloor heating for 257 houses.
Construction and Installation
Once you’ve reached the construction phase of your project, underfloor heating installation can typically fit in to your programme wherever suits you best.
However, we appreciate that timelines, trade availability and site conditions can fluctuate, which is why we take a flexible approach to align delivery and installation with any changes to your timeline.
Our trained and experienced team will attend your site to install your chosen underfloor heating efficiently and accurately, whether it’s a wet or electric system.
We are also able to adapt where needed, meaning we can respond quickly if last-minute modifications arise – just like we did at Warley HQ, Eagle Way in Brentford.
For this project, the original specification had been for a suspended floor with aluminium plates fitted between joists in most areas. However, after further discussion with the team, we changed the installation to a 25mm grooved insulation system to all areas due to an existing raised access floor system that had to be retained in the lower plots.
Most importantly, throughout your project’s construction phase, we collaborate closely with your team, delivering a smooth installation process that integrates effortlessly into your overall build.
Handover and Close Out
Once your underfloor heating installation has been completed, we remain on-hand for any additional support you need for project handover, close out and beyond.
Our team can continue to provide expert advice long after the project is completed. And, with our industry-leading product warranties, you can rest assured that the future homeowners are supported too.
Complete underfloor heating support for residential developments
At Gaia, we have extensive experience working with residential developers, collaborating with industry leaders including Hambridge Homes, Taylor Wimpey, Telford Homes and more.
We can work with developers, architects, contractors, M&E consultants and builders – whatever the scale of the project – to ensure the design, supply and installation of underfloor heating fits seamlessly into your project.
For more information, get in touch today.
